Self-Adjusting Neck Brace Pillow For Back Sleepers

ABSTRACT

A supportive pillow braces a sleeping user&#39;s head in a supine position. The pillow has a viscoelastic body with a flat base and contoured top. The contoured top has two neck supporting ridges, positioned on either side of a head-receiving depression. A user rests their neck on the most comfortable neck supporting ridge (taller one for heavier people, shorter one for lighter people), with the head positioned in the depression. Lateral movement and rolling of the head is prevented by two bracing supports, positioned on either side of the viscoelastic body. For comfort, a softer cover is positioned over the viscoelastic body and bracing supports, improving the cushioning and breathability of the supportive pillow. The bracing supports and cover are also viscoelastic, with them and the viscoelastic body commonly being made from viscoelastic polyurethane, e.g. memory foam. The benefits of the supporting pillow have applications in medical and other fields.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/899,387 filed on Nov. 4, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a supportive pillow that helps brace sleeping users and prevents head roll, maintaining a supine sleeping position. This is helpful for those suffering from medical issues that require them to keep a stable neck and limit the range of motion of their head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of sleeping positions, which often vary between persons and even between given circumstances. Whether due to injuries, temperature, personal preference, or any number of factors, a person might utilize a variety of sleeping positions. A given sleeping position may provide a number of benefits and drawbacks, making it more or less preferable for a given user. For example, those who have suffered injuries and are in a recovery process might have to maintain stable neck position to ensure proper healing. While this might initially be maintained by a neck brace, a supportive pillow such as the present invention can serve as an intermediary step between wearing a neck brace and going without. The present invention can ensure that a user does not re-aggravate their injuries due to unconscious nocturnal movements, instead maintaining a face-up sleeping position. As another example, persons who sleep on their sides or stomachs often suffer from compression wrinkles, an issue that can be mitigated by sleeping on one's back. A common position, sleeping on one's back is often described as the “supine” sleeping position.

While a certain sleeping position may be desired, such as the aforementioned supine position, often times a person rolls or otherwise moves during their sleep. Thus, even if falling asleep in the supine position, a person might awake to find themselves rolled over on their side or even on their stomach. There exists a need for a way to comfortably prevent a sleeping person from rolling.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pillow which inhibits unconscious rolling which might occur while asleep. This is accomplished by providing a base section with two bracing supports which form barriers that counteract rolling of the head and neck during sleep. It is a further object of the present invention to be comfortable and adaptable to individual users. This is accomplished by providing a viscoelastic memory foam construction as well as multiple neck supports which can be switched between based upon personal preference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention with cover omitted for ease of disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention with cover omitted for ease of disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention with cover omitted for ease of disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention with cover included.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the present invention with cover included.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the present invention with cover included.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a supportive pillow for persons who sleep in a supine position, i.e. those who sleep on their back. The present invention braces the person's head and is self-adjusting, properties which are beneficial for a number of applications. The present invention is especially useful in the medical field, where it can help transition whiplash victims from sleeping with a cervical collar to sleeping without a cervical collar. The present invention is not restricted to such scenarios, and may be utilized by any persons desiring a bracing pillow for use when sleeping in a supine position.

The present invention comprises a viscoelastic body 1, a first bracing support 2, and a second bracing support 3, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The viscoelastic body 1 serves as the main support for a person's head and is shaped as such. The viscoelastic deforms in order to better match an individual's personal contours, allowing it to comfortably support a wide variety of users. The first bracing support 2 and the second bracing support 3 act to secure the person's head in a supine position, essentially acting as walls for the viscoelastic body 1. The first bracing support 2 and second bracing support 3, connected to opposite sides of the viscoelastic body 1, prevent a person's head from rolling during sleep. Preventing unconscious movement of the head is beneficial for those who are recovering from medical issues, e.g. whiplash victims.

As the viscoelastic body 1 is intended to provide an ergonomic support for a user, it comprises a contoured top surface 11 and a flat bottom surface 12. The viscoelastic body 1 is further illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4. The contoured top surface 11 is designed to accommodate the human anatomy, providing curves and dips that allow a user to keep their head in a flat (as opposed to inclined or declined) position with respect to the rest of their body. Opposite the contoured top surface 11, the flat bottom surface 12 acts as a stable base for the present invention in order to eliminate the possibility of shifting of the present invention. A stable base helps the present invention act as a bracing support for sleeping users.

Further defining the contoured top surface 11 is a low-profile neck supporting ridge 13, an elevated neck supporting ridge 14, and a head-receiving depression 15. The low-profile neck supporting ridge 13 and elevated neck supporting ridge 14 are positioned at opposite ends of the viscoelastic body 1 and provide an element of flexibility; as the ridges are of different heights, they provide more or less range of travel. Since the ridges deform under the weight of a user's neck, it is preferable for the neck ridge to allow the user's head to be in a flat final position. As heavier users will cause a neck ridge to depress more than a lighter user would, the elevated neck supporting ridge 14 provides enough height that when depressed it will be at a comfortable height for a user who weighs more. Users who weigh less will cause less deforming of the ridge, and for these users the low-profile neck supporting ridge 13 is of an ideal height. Thanks to the geometric construction of the present invention, a user can easily switch between the neck supporting ridges by rotating the viscoelastic body 180 degrees, thus placing the desired ridge under their neck.

Further describing the relative heights and positioning of the low-profile neck supporting ridge 13 and elevated neck supporting ridge 14 are a respective first apex 131 and a second apex 141. Each apex defines the top point of its respective ridge, with the first apex 131 being positioned lower than the second apex 141. Defined in relation to the flat bottom surface 12, a first distance 132 between the first apex 131 and the flat bottom surface 12 is less than a second distance 142 between the second apex 141 and the flat bottom surface 12. Thus the elevated neck supporting ridge 14 is taller than the low-profile neck supporting ridge 13.

The first bracing support 2 and second bracing support 3 match the profile of the viscoelastic body 1, with the contoured top surface 11 being reflected in the shape of the first bracing support 2 and the second bracing support 3. Additionally, the first bracing support 2 and the second bracing support 3 are congruent, e.g. they have the same dimensions as each other. The first bracing support 2 and second bracing support 3 each comprise an elevated brace ridge 41, a brace depression 42, and a low-profile brace ridge 43. These parts define the profile of the brace ridge and are similar (i.e. the same shape and proportional to) the corresponding parts of the contoured top surface 11. Further defining these components of the bracing supports, the elevated brace ridge 41 is offset from the elevated neck supporting ridge 14, the brace depression 42 is offset from the head-receiving depression 15, and the low-profile brace ridge 43 is offset low-profile neck supporting ridge 13.

The low-profile neck supporting ridge 13 and the elevated neck supporting ridge 14 are connected across the viscoelastic body 1, with an orientation that is parallel with a user's respective mediolateral axis (i.e. an axis that runs from their left side to their right side) and to each other. This orientation results in both the low-profile neck supporting ridge 13 and the elevated neck supporting ridge 14 being perpendicular to each bracing support. With the ridges acting as a neck supporting feature, the head-receiving depression 15 is positioned between the ridges in order to provide a cradle for the user's head. This allows the spine to remain in a natural position, with the neck being supported by one of the ridges, while the head is comfortably rested in the depression 15.

In addition to the main viscoelastic body 1 of the present invention, a cover 5 is provided for additional comfort, support, and ventilation. This cover 5 is illustrated through FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7. This cover 5 is placed over and connects to the contoured top surface 11, the first bracing support 2, and second bracing support 3, such that it overlays the contoured top surface 11, the first bracing support 2, and second bracing support 3, and is the component that directly contacts a user's head. The cover 5 is also connected across the first bracing support 2 and the second bracing support 3, providing those components with the same comfort as the viscoelastic body 1. The cover 5 comprises a plurality of air-permeable holes 51 which are patterned across the surface of the cover 5 directly over the viscoelastic body 1. These air-permeable holes 51 allow both the cover 5 and viscoelastic body 1 to breath, helping to keep these components cool and comfortable for a user.

As the present invention is designed to be a supportive and self-adjusting apparatus, certain material choices are advantageous for use in manufacture of the present invention. To provide an element of flexibility to the first bracing portion and the second bracing portion, they are made from a viscoelastic material, imparting to them many of the same properties as the primary viscoelastic body 1. Similarly, the cover 5 is also made from a viscoelastic material, imparting to it many of the same properties as the primary viscoelastic body 1. More specifically, the viscoelastic body 1, the bracing supports, and the cover 5 are made from a viscoelastic polyurethane material, e.g. memory foam. Such a material is beneficial as it forms imprints that match any given user's physical features in order to provide a more comfortable fit which is adapted to the user.

Ideally, the cover 5 is “softer” than the viscoelastic body 1 and the bracing supports, i.e. the viscoelastic material used for the cover 5 has a lower molecular density than that of the viscoelastic material used for the viscoelastic body 1 and the bracing supports. This results in the cover 5 being lighter, softer, and having improved breathability (e.g. ventilation) as compared to the viscoelastic body 1. The cover 5 thus provides an even more comfortable resting surface for the user's head while simultaneously enhancing cooling by means of more consistent air flow and quicker dissipation of heat.

To help support a user's head, the distance between the first bracing support 2 and the second bracing support 3 is ideally large enough to provide space for the head but small enough that the bracing supports apply gentle pressure to the lateral portions of the head. Thanks to the viscoelastic nature of the bracing supports, this pressure is not uncomfortable as the bracing supports deform to better fit the head. Since the cover 5 and viscoelastic body 1 likewise deform to fit the user, the head is prevented from rolling or shifting thanks to the form-fitting imprint created in the present invention.

The bracing supports can further resist shifting of a user's head by angling inwards; this is a result of the self-adjusting properties inherent to the present invention's design. Specifically, when the user's head is at rest in a completely supine position, the bracing supports have minimal (if any) contact with the head or face. However, this changes when there is a shift in body weight as a user rolls their head. The shift in weight causes the bracing support on the side of the weight shift to pitch inwards, increasing resistance against the user rolling their head. Additionally, the increased pressure from the bracing support encourages the user to roll back to a completely supine position, even while asleep. In this way, the present invention can help to encourage and train users to maintain a supine position during sleep.

Many aspects of the present invention can be altered or substituted for without impacting the intended function. For example, construction can be done modularly, with the bracing supports, viscoelastic body 1, and cover 5 being separately manufactured and then connected together, or the entire apparatus can be built as a unitary item. In this case of a modular construction, individual components could be user replaceable, allowing customers the option to custom build the apparatus to best match their individual physical characteristics.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers comprises: a viscoelastic body; a first bracing support; a second bracing support; the first bracing support being adjacently connected to the viscoelastic body; the second bracing support being adjacently connected to the viscoelastic body opposite the first bracing support; the viscoelastic body comprises a contoured top surface and a flat bottom surface; the contoured top surface comprises a low-profile neck supporting ridge, an elevated neck supporting ridge, and a head-receiving depression; the low-profile neck supporting ridge being perpendicularly connected between the first bracing support and the second bracing support; the elevated neck supporting ridge being perpendicularly connected between the first bracing support and the second bracing support; the low-profile neck supporting ridge being parallel with the elevated neck supporting ridge; and the head-receiving depression being positioned between the low-profile neck supporting ridge and the elevated neck supporting ridge.
 2. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the viscoelastic body being made of an air-permeable material.
 3. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the viscoelastic body being made of a polyurethane material.
 4. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first bracing portion and the second bracing portion being made of a viscoelastic polyurethane material.
 5. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a cover; a plurality of air-permeable holes; the cover being adjacently connected across the contoured top surface, the first bracing support, and the second bracing support; the plurality of air permeable holes being evenly distributed across the cover and overlapping the viscoelastic body; the plurality of air permeable holes traversing through the viscoelastic body; and the cover being made from a viscoelastic material.
 6. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a first apex of the low-profile neck supporting ridge; a second apex of the elevated neck supporting ridge; and a first distance between the first apex of the low-profile neck supporting ridge and the flat bottom surface being less than a second distance between the second apex of the elevated neck supporting ridge and the flat bottom surface.
 7. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first bracing support and the second bracing support each comprises an elevated brace ridge, a brace depression, and a low-profile brace ridge; the elevated brace ridge being offset from the elevated neck supporting ridge; the brace depression being offset from the head-receiving depression; and the low-profile brace ridge being offset from the low-profile neck supporting ridge.
 8. A self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers comprises: a viscoelastic body; a first bracing support; a second bracing support; a cover; a plurality of air-permeable holes; the first bracing support being adjacently connected to the viscoelastic body; the second bracing support being adjacently connected to the viscoelastic body opposite the first bracing support; the viscoelastic body comprises a contoured top surface and a flat bottom surface; the contoured top surface comprises a low-profile neck supporting ridge, an elevated neck supporting ridge, and a head-receiving depression; the low-profile neck supporting ridge being perpendicularly connected between the first bracing support and the second bracing support; the elevated neck supporting ridge being perpendicularly connected between the first bracing support and the second bracing support; the low-profile neck supporting ridge being parallel with the elevated neck supporting ridge; the head-receiving depression being positioned between the low-profile neck supporting ridge and the elevated neck supporting ridge; and the viscoelastic body being made of an air-permeable material.
 9. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the viscoelastic body being made of a polyurethane material.
 10. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the first bracing portion and the second bracing portion being made of a viscoelastic polyurethane material.
 11. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the cover being adjacently connected across the contoured top surface, the first bracing support, and the second bracing support; the plurality of air permeable holes being evenly distributed across the cover and overlapping the viscoelastic body; the plurality of air permeable holes traversing through the viscoelastic body; and the cover being made from a viscoelastic material.
 12. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 8 comprises: a first apex of the low-profile neck supporting ridge; a second apex of the elevated neck supporting ridge; and a first distance between the first apex of the low-profile neck supporting ridge and the flat bottom surface being less than a second distance between the second apex of the elevated neck supporting ridge and the flat bottom surface.
 13. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the first bracing support and the second bracing support each comprises an elevated brace ridge, a brace depression, and a low-profile brace ridge; the elevated brace ridge being offset from the elevated neck supporting ridge; the brace depression being offset from the head-receiving depression; and the low-profile brace ridge being offset from the low-profile neck supporting ridge.
 14. A self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers comprises: a viscoelastic body; a first bracing support; a second bracing support; a cover; a plurality of air-permeable holes; a first apex of the low-profile neck supporting ridge; a second apex of the elevated neck supporting ridge; the first bracing support being adjacently connected to the viscoelastic body; the second bracing support being adjacently connected to the viscoelastic body opposite the first bracing support; the viscoelastic body comprises a contoured top surface and a flat bottom surface; the contoured top surface comprises a low-profile neck supporting ridge, an elevated neck supporting ridge, and a head-receiving depression; the low-profile neck supporting ridge being perpendicularly connected between the first bracing support and the second bracing support; the elevated neck supporting ridge being perpendicularly connected between the first bracing support and the second bracing support; the low-profile neck supporting ridge being parallel with the elevated neck supporting ridge; the head-receiving depression being positioned between the low-profile neck supporting ridge and the elevated neck supporting ridge; a first distance between the first apex of the low-profile neck supporting ridge and the flat bottom surface being less than a second distance between the second apex of the elevated neck supporting ridge and the flat bottom surface; and the viscoelastic body being made of an air-permeable material.
 15. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the viscoelastic body being made of a polyurethane material.
 16. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the first bracing portion and the second bracing portion being made of a viscoelastic polyurethane material.
 17. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the cover being adjacently connected across the contoured top surface, the first bracing support, and the second bracing support; the plurality of air permeable holes being evenly distributed across the cover and overlapping the viscoelastic body; the plurality of air permeable holes traversing through the viscoelastic body; and the cover being made from a viscoelastic material.
 18. The self-adjusting neck brace pillow for back sleepers as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the first bracing support and the second bracing support each comprises an elevated brace ridge, a brace depression, and a low-profile brace ridge; the elevated brace ridge being offset from the elevated neck supporting ridge; the brace depression being offset from the head-receiving depression; and the low-profile brace ridge being offset from the low-profile neck supporting ridge. 